3.0 CDTI (tuningbox) Vs 3.2 GSI ??

**rusty1977** · 6th October 2005, 23:21

Hi Everyone,

Im seriously considering purchasing a 54 plate SRI 3.0 CDTI and I was wondering whether or not this with a tuning box or similar, would this be able to keep pace with a GSI?

The reason I ask is I would like a GSI but the amount of miles I do a year, it really would be throwing money away.

Thanks in advance for any info.

**AJA** · 6th October 2005, 23:26

I think the V6 CDTi with a box holds it's own against the GSi. I'm sure Ian_C and Scooby will be along shortly with their comments, as they've had a blast against each other with differing results.

Come on guys, your comments are wanted.

**Caterman** · 6th October 2005, 23:35

Originally Posted by AJA

I think the V6 CDTi with a box holds it's own against the GSi. I'm sure Ian_C and Scooby will be along shortly with their comments, as they've had a blast against each other with differing results.

Come on guys, your comments are wanted.

You've done it now Alex. I feel another debate coming on.........
I agree with you though m8. I much prefer the torque and fuel economy of the diesel.

**big phil** · 6th October 2005, 23:42

didn't really get a good view of the clash on the way back from chorley , but what was said to me by the two in question was there wasn't alot between them from 3rd upwards but the gsi did have the edge in 1st n 2nd due to the rev range and the lack of turbo lag ...... but im sure the 3.0 diesel only gets 34 mpg @ 80 mph where as the gsi gets 32 mpg @ 70 mph ( diesel figure taken from what abyss has said recently with his tuning box on !) so not alot init except for the sound of the V6 Petrol

phil

**AJA** · 7th October 2005, 07:42

There really isn't much in it mate.

Choose the 3.2 GSi for the lovely V6 growl, but suffer the mpg
or
Choose the V6 CDTi for the economy, but suffer the diesel noise first thing in morning.

You say you do a lot of miles? I know what I'd choose. ;-)

**Scooby** · 7th October 2005, 07:56

Originally Posted by big phil

there wasn't alot between them from 3rd upwards but the gsi did have the edge in 1st n 2nd due to the rev range and the lack of turbo lag

It was actually the other way round m8...Ians 3.0 boots it off the lights and i have to give it some to stay with him, he does have to make sure he gets his into 2nd as quick as possible because of the lack of top end revs....at this point the Gsi only slightly has the edge, but once its up into the later revs in 2nd and then into 3rd, thats when the Gsi goes mental and i was all over Ians ar*e, could have nailed past him but the road we were on wouldnt allow it. I'll never take the p*ss out of Ians 3.0 with tuning box fitted cos it is an awesome machine and one of the fastest diesels ive "played" against...but...i wont be converted at the moment...just love the GSi too much

**ion** · 7th October 2005, 08:08

Considering the mileage, no choice. Has to be diesel.

I used to have a BM 330 coupe, a stunning car with awesome performance (230bhp) & a nice creamy howl when you boot it, but would I not go back from the vec I have.

Vec is :-
More refined at speed
More economical
Has similar torque to the bm so the "pull" feels the same but the bm could hold the gears alot longer so was much quicker in a straight line
Cheaper to insure & run

That says it all really,

If I can come from a 330 to a 1.9 vec, put up with the clatter low down & not regret it, then it tells you something.

I would imagine the 3.0 cdti is closer in character to the 3.2's as well.

**Maverick** · 7th October 2005, 09:17

If it's a local toy you want then go for the GSi, if it is a toy and a work horse then go for the V6 CDTi.

But on the open road, the GSi will be the quicker car no doubt.

Remember Top Gear with the 535d verses the 535 Petrol? The same scenario would apply for the Vectra, Although the Deisel has far superior mid range pull, the 3.2 will be long gone.

But hey, both are top cars so you won't disapointed by either.

**organist** · 7th October 2005, 09:46

For such a small difference in mpg (and taking into account the extra cost of diesel) and notwithstanding the stink of diesel on your hands when the garage have run out of those plastic gloves, I'd go for a Gsi every time! If I want economic driving, I take the Citreon C3 diesel (65+mpg round town) and put up with the stink.

**ion** · 7th October 2005, 10:07

Originally Posted by Matt

Remember Top Gear with the 535d verses the 535 Petrol? The same scenario would apply for the Vectra, Although the Deisel has far superior mid range pull, the 3.2 will be long gone.

Didn't see that, what happened, did the Petrol pull away as the speed increased?